Rep. Joe Schmick

Maddy summaryHB 1411 requires Washington's governor to base budget revenue estimates solely on the state's official economic and revenue forecast, rather than using other projections. This prevents the state from planning with assumed revenue levels higher than what the forecast council officially projects. The bill affects how the governor prepares annual and biennial budgets by mandating that all revenue estimates must align with the forecast council's approved numbers for most funds. It ensures budget planning relies on verified revenue data, not hypothetical scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (HJR 4207) would allow Washington voters to approve a homestead property tax exemption for primary residences. If approved, it would permit the legislature to create a tax break reducing the taxable value of qualifying homes by up to $250,000 for state taxes only. The amendment includes safeguards to prevent shifting tax burdens to other properties and allows for annual adjustments to the exemption amount. It requires voter approval at the next general election, as the proposed constitutional change is not yet law.

Maddy summaryHB 1026 allows a spouse receiving long-term care benefits under Washington's program to transfer some or all of their available benefits to their partner. This directly affects married couples where one spouse qualifies for benefits but the other spouse needs care but doesn't yet meet eligibility requirements (or has exhausted their own benefits). The bill requires the receiving spouse to meet functional care needs criteria and specifies that transferring benefits reduces the sender's available benefits. It makes no changes to existing eligibility rules but creates a new pathway for spousal benefit sharing within the current program structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1912 establishes a system for tracking and reporting sales of fuel used for agricultural purposes, which are exempt from the state's Climate Commitment Act. Fuel sellers, including retail stations and suppliers, can register with the Department of Ecology to track and report these exempt sales. Registered sellers must make exempt fuel available at a differential rate or credit purchasers to reflect the absence of associated compliance costs under the climate act. This ensures the agricultural exemption is properly applied and monitored, affecting fuel sellers, suppliers, and agricultural users starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summaryHB 1389 extends the expiration date for existing reporting requirements on large timber purchases. The bill requires purchasers of over 200,000 board feet of privately owned timber to report details of their acquisitions to the state department. This information includes seller and buyer details, sale price, and estimated timber volume. Originally set to expire on September 30, 2025, these reporting requirements will now remain in effect until September 30, 2029. Failure to report can result in a $250 penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1755 exempts certain hospitals that are owned or operated by a state entity from needing a "certificate of need" (CON) for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. A CON is a regulatory approval often required for healthcare facilities to offer new services or expand existing ones. This bill allows these specific state-affiliated hospitals to provide a type of heart procedure without going through that particular state approval process. The change directly affects these hospitals and the patients who receive elective PCI services there.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1327 updates regulations concerning horse racing in Washington state. It modifies the composition of the Washington Horse Racing Commission by removing a specific qualification for commissioners and revises licensing requirements for race meets, including adjusting daily fees and minimum live race counts. The bill also clarifies how unspent funds held by the commission will be disbursed, allowing for grants to equestrian nonprofit and youth organizations. These changes primarily affect the Washington Horse Racing Commission, race meet organizers, and related equine organizations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1309 establishes an integrated pest management research program within the Washington State Department of Agriculture to address the impacts of burrowing shrimp on bottom culture shellfish farming. This program will solicit and fund research into new control methods for burrowing shrimp, with a specific focus on Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. A governing board, composed of representatives from state agencies, shellfish growers, tribes, and other stakeholders, will oversee the research program and review proposals. The bill aims to support research that enhances the resilience and productivity of shellfish farming and the marine ecosystem. It also provides for permitting assistance for shellfish growers to use identified control methods.